Vehicle Security Concerns

If you don't follow the Haddenham.net Facebook page (why ever not? It's here) you may be unaware of reports that tools and personal belongings were stolen from builders' vans at two locations in Haddenham yesterday, Thursday 30th March.

There is a suggestion that these vehicles were being watched by the thieves, as they looked for and seized upon an unguarded moment, when the vehicles were temporarily left unlocked.

This follows something of a pattern in this part of rural Buckinghamshire lately. Indeed, reports of thefts from vehicles and outbuildings across Aylesbury Vale have peaked at 20 instances over a six week period.

This has prompted Thames Valley Police to issue a fresh warning about the need for vigilance and better vehicle security in the area.

In several of these cases, vehicles were left insecure by their owners. Police are concerned that, by not offering any form of resistance to would-be thieves, ne'er-do-wells are encouraged to try vehicle door handles at random.

Insecure vehicles are not covered by insurance and such crimes offer police very few leads to help identify perpetrators.

Police advise that when you are:

Parking in public

• Look for public car parks approved by the Park Mark scheme. Car parks approved within the Park Mark scheme have been vetted by the police and have measures in place in order to create a safer environment for you and your vehicle.
• Alternatively, park your car in an attended car park.
• When leaving your car, please close all windows and lock your car.
• Don't leave anything on display in your vehicle.
• Take all your personal possessions with you.
• Remove sat nav holders and visible sat nav ring marks from windscreens.

Parking at home

• Where possible, secure your car overnight in your garage.
• If you don't have a garage, park on your drive close to the house or in a well-lit area.
• When leaving your car, close all windows and lock your car.
• Don't leave anything on display in your vehicle.
• Take all your personal possessions with you.
• Remove sat nav holders and visible sat nav ring marks from windscreens.
• Leave the glove box open to show there's nothing inside.

If you have any concerns about activity around vehicles in your area, you can contact your neighbourhood team by calling 101.